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The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
That night, you gather at the long table for dinner. Kiah is introduced to the Lord and Lady Ulrich, and she is warmly welcomed. Delphinia's and Hajih's absence is noted, but attributed to "ranger business". Ssilithos' body is kept outside in the stalls to forestall any decomposition until you can figure out how best to dispose of his remains. Though he was abrasive and foolish, you raise a glass to his memory.
Lord Ulrich is eager to hear how the two hydrae were slain, and he nearly spills his soup leaning forward to catch every detail. Once the story is complete, Lady Ulrich yawns and excuses herself, citing fatigue. With a rueful shrug, Lord Ulrich too rises from the table and bids you all good night.
Once again, vials of Lady Ulrich's healing elixir are provided for those who remain injured. A fine sherry and more cigars are also offered by Lord Ulrich's servants, and you are led to a richly furnished study to spend the evening sipping and puffing in the firelight.
A small chest lies in the center of an oak table by one of the windows. Inside the chest are, as promised, 2000 gold pieces that glitter in the light spilling in through the window from the full moon.
You begin to discuss how best to divide the reward among those present (and not present). A few sideways glances are sent Achkby's way, but if this bothers the halfling sorceror, he shows no signs of it.
Once Si'rene is sure that you are alone and not being observed, she waves everyone over next to the fireplace.
"When I found Kiah, I checked the hydrae's lair for any magical items left among the ... debris ... outside the cave."
The white-haired elf lays out three items before the hearth: an old rusted and pitted gauntlet, a clear crystalline prism, and a burnished silver ring. The silver ring appears to originally have been set with three rubies, but two of the stones are missing. Only a single red ruby remains, sparkling in the firelight.
Looking up, Si'rene asks, "Where is Katrin?"
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Achkby, Halfling Sorcerer
Oooh... perhaps they'll be magical... I probably won't get any, though. What am I talking about?! What did I do to deserve any. Grsha!
As the group gathers around, Achkby asks softly, "Might I see what I can divine of any... extra-ordinary properties they could have? Callos, perhaps you should do the same..."
[OOC]With a nod from Aeroz or Si'rene or somesuch, Achkby will cast Detect Magic as many times as necessary and make whatever Spellcraft or Knowledge (Arcana) checks would be appropriate, if any are. Both skills at +10.[/OOC]
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Tiriel
"Katrine? I think she went up to her room. She didn't say anything, but maybe she's not feeling well? I'll go check on her, she won't want to miss this."
Tiriel will leave the group huddled around the objects and head up the stairs that she saw Katrine use earlier.
it's not like I'll be of any help trying to figure out what they are any how....
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Fizahn:
Fizahn examines the magical items with little interest. There's nothing there that particulary peaks his interest. He seems mostly interested in the gold and whenever ways to split it are discussed; he seems intent on splitting it with the fewest people possible.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Thokk
"Ach, seems to be some strange findings, I be interested what they are? Any of you have any ideas? The gauntlet in particular interestes me, something like that should have rusted long ago, not merely remained in that state..."
*Thokk checks over all the items, merely looking at them and trying to see if he has remembered any of them or if he can figure anything un-usual about them.*
OOC: Knowledge check, +2 racial stonecunning and metal knowledge
*Between the meals and sitting around, Thokk approached and asked the Lord if he had permission to use a furnace and also if he could have a leatherworked assist him in working his hydra skin*
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lizardkin Druid
Having helped the dwarf warrior haul some hydra skin back earlier, the druid had retreated to somewhere quiet.
The druid continues to meditate in solitude. He is unaware of the events in the hall but is aware the others are eating a meal together.
If hunger finds him again he has a couple of steaks wrapped nearby.
Sheyra..don't be frightened. Fight it.. fight it
He holds the tooth dangling around his neck and exhales.
As he rests the green ley lines start to from before his eyes and he feels stronger and more connected with the land. The exertions of the hunt and journey over the last few days strengthening him and adding on to his druidic ability.
He slowly falls into trance
[pmed you DR. bob]
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The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Callos
The necromancer was almost completely unsurprised to find out that the green haired priest had been slain trying to fight a hydra alone. Still it was never a good idea to dishonor a dead persons memory. Too many things could interact, too many variables to predict that might lead to the man spontenously returning to life. So instead he busied himself with the trinkets found at the hydra's lair, peering over them just as intently as Ackby had done, if for no other reason then to keep himself busy. The ring and gauntlet in particular drew his attention.
((Right, doing the spellcraft and maybe arcana cheks for the items.))
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Elthan
Elthan picks up the crystaline prism and looks over it. Didn't Elthan have something similar to this while we where in the underdark? It certiantly looks similar, if nothing else.
He places the crystal back on the table, and adresses the group. "Can I make a suggestion? Instead of directly splitting the gold among us, shouldn't we put some of the gold towards group assests? Group potions, scrolls, food, ammunition and such so the whole is well supplied. At this point it doesn't seem likely that we will part and go our own ways, so we might as well pool some of our earnings."
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Kiah
Kiah will join Tiriel if she may. "Do you mind if I join you? Katrine looked down earlier, and I feel out of place here. Maybe I can help."
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Thokk judges the gauntlet to be structurally sound, though heavily oxidized. Callos notes that the gauntlet radiates a moderately strong aura of transmutation.
Elthan picks up the crystal prisms and peers through it with curiousity. He tosses it into the air once or twice, catching it in the palm of his hand. Coughing weakly, he places it back down on the floor. "It's bigger than an ioun stone and it doesn't seem to float," he observes.
"It seems to very faintly radiate evocation magic. I'm surprised that you even noticed it, Si'rene ..."
Eventually, attention turns to the silver ring with the single remaining ruby. "Is that what I think it is?" someone asks. Callos and Elthan both confirm that the ring radiates magic strongly. The aura is judged to be of the evocation school.
[hr]
Tiriel and Kiah climb the stairs together. Tiriel is naturally concerned about her good friend. Kiah is simply looking for an excuse to stretch out her newly healed legs.
Katrin had uncharacteristically asked for a single room. The door is closed, of course, so Tiriel knocks lightly to see if everything is OK. There is no response from inside the bedroom.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Callos
More of his attention turned towards the gauntlet that was covered in rust. Everyone else was paying the ring mind and the necromancer had no doubt that they would eventually figure it out. So instead he decided to investigate the gauntlet. Besides it worried him. Transmutation magic could be tricky, dangerous even, espicially if it was cursed.
"Thokk, let me take a look at that gauntlet. I want to try and discover its function. If at any point in time it seems to be causing me pain or any adverse affects and I do nothing of my own accord to remove, I want you to take it off. Forcibly if you have too."
He looked pointedly at the dwarf's bastard sword at the last part as he held his hand out for the gauntlet. If Thokk lets him look at it he'll slip it unto his hand and wait to see if it does anything of its own accord.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Yix
Yix climbs up on the table to appreciate all the new shiny (and rusty) objects. He is particularly fascinated with the gold, which he immefiately goes over to and begins counting.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lumpy
Lumpy inserts his opinion on Silithos' rites rather pointedly,
"We ain't wasting any time in the morning sorting out that dead priest. I don't overmuch care who he worships, but here on land, ya don't get a burial at sea. If that was what he wanted, he should'a died much closer ta water, cause we ain't diverting fer his sake." He wrenches his knuckles together, cracking them noisily, "Now what I WILL do, on account'a I'm such a nice guy, is dig him his own plot in the frostbitten ground and see him buried there tonight. Anyone wants ta give anyone elses blessing on the matter, that's their business."
He joins the others briefly in the matter of the magical items, but seems to quickly lose interest at the sight of them. Nothing looked terribly useful to him; at least, no more useful than a share of gold might be. With a shrug, he sets out to find a shovel or three (to account for breakage) and bury the priest wherever is most convenient
((OOC: as an aside, if no one goes with him, he'll probably strip Silithos of anything valuable looking before burying him. no one come, please :P))
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Tiriel
Tiriel shrugs when Kiah offers to come with her. She seems nice enough after all, so whatever.
Hearing no response from the room, Tiriel knocks again, louder. " Katrin, it's me. Open up already."
If there is still no response, she's more than prepared to find out which is stronger, the door or herself.
::She'll try the door to see if it's locked, if so then:
if the hinges face out, she'll simply lift the pegs (or the entire door), if not, ahh well I think we know what's coming....::
edit: yeah I guess I should have her try the door first...
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Nyssa
Nyssa nods to Lumpy. "You are correct. We don't have the time, and better he rests now. I will assist you, Lumpy. You should also secure any goods left on his body -- they will do him no good where he has gone. They can better assist the group."
{Nyssa dealt with death all of her life -- it's completely natural to her, and she's very pragmatic. Dead people don't need things. Living people do. She won't allow his holy symbol or any non-useful personal items (like clothing) to be taken. She'll help Lumpy sort out what's magical/worthwhile and not, as well.}
She then looks at Elthan. "And I believe your proposal is a good one. Those on the front lines get injured and must use potions, or the priests must use costly items on them. They keep people like me safe, but I bare none of the cost of it. It's not equitable."
With that, she gets up to follow Lumpy. "I trust the group will figure out a fair way to divide our rewards. Please keep in mind that two of our number have departed, but I think we should keep their shares for them until we're sure they're not returning."
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Aeroz
Aeroz stays present for the scanning/testing/identifying of the magic items. He keeps an eye on Callos and anyone else fiddling with the magic items, just in case what the wizard fears does happen. He also occasionally glances at Si'rene, Ginerva and Tiriel.
I dont trust the three of them at all. First they put me on that hellhole of a journey, and now they want to just be allies. Well, not mine, but, the point is there. Too many variables.
[OOC: Fixed DR, Stupid not reading things in their entirety.]
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Fizahn:
Fizahn keeps his eye on the gold. He grins as he sees Yix start counting. Fizahn decides to have fun with Yix and sidles over to the pseudodragon very nonchalantly. "Good idea counting it. Make sure it's all there and we weren't shorted any. Did you count that piece?" Fizahn asks, pointing to a piece he knows full well Yix has already counted. Fizahn busys himself trying to distract the tiny dragon and make him lose count. He also sneaks some of pieces the dragon's already counted back into the pile. When it's all said and done, the dragon's count comes up 2179 gold. Darn and I was so hoping to get 2180.
OOC: Completely useless and stupid, but it struck me as a kinda funny thing for Fizahn to do.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Ludo
Ludo gratefully accepts the healing elixir and drinks it. He sits quietly in a corner by the fire, letting its restorative effects work on his wound. He refuses the wine and cigars but instead sips water from a goblet. He watches Nyssa and Lumpy exit to bury the priest. Nolan has grown to respect the half-orc and he quietly meditates where he sits, trusting that his sister is in good hands.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Thokk
*Working with Callos*
'Ach lad, sounds like a good idea, may also be good to take off yer belt pouch so yer dont start slingin spells around, Ill make sure I dont have to be too forcefull in removing the gauntlet'
*Thokk helps Callos any way he can, but lays his sword against the far wall, but still close enough to grab should the need arise*
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Yix
The tiny dragon can't figure out why the king would give them more gold than he promised for teh reward. He sits there scratching his head for a few moments pondering, but eventually gives up, and begins to take more of an interest in the other items going around.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lissa
Lissa's eyes fixed on the ruby ring the moment Si'rene brought it out. She picks it up almost reverently, examining the damaged piece of jewelry. "Great Golden Lords... people, I really think we should put some of the gold toward identify spells. At least one of you magic types can cast that one, right?" The gnome looks around at Achkby, Elthan, Callos and Nyssa. "I've heard tales about rings like this, but I don't want to look like a fool if I'm wrong. And you know how bards are, who knows how much of those tales was actually true. It would be wonderful if it were, though..." Her voice trails off, and she stares at the mysterious ring a moment more before putting it back with the rest of the loot.
Then Lissa notices what Callos is doing, and just about falls out of her chair. "YOU IDIOT! Beshaba on a broomstick, a wizard of all people should know better than to wear an unidentified magic item! You complete and utter dolt! I lost a good friend of mine to an enchanted necklace that choked her to death! 'Oh, Lissa, you're so paranoid! I'm sure it's perfectly safe!' Last words she ever said." Finally she runs out of steam and just glares for a bit. Despite the glare, it's plain that Lissa is indeed very upset and worried.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Achkby, Halfling Sorcerer
As most of the group turns on the ring and Callos investigte the gauntlet, Achkby fineagles the crystal away. Callos has clearly got his piece under control, and while Achkby's heard as many stories as the rest--well, maybe not Lissa, but no one has her appetite for treasure (besides that Greedy Fizahn, of course. Gnomes!)--but it can't really be what they all hope it is. These things don't just lie about in the snow.
He turns the crystal over and over in his hands, trying to remember if he's ever heard of this sort of thing. He did always try and pick up tales of magic as he travelled, but it had been so long since he'd heard any new ones...
[OOC]If you haven't already made the check, DR... Knowledge (Arcana) (1d20+11=19)[/OOC]
However, when Lissa's tirade to Callos spews forth, his is forcibly pulled from his attempt at memory recall, and he grudgingly involves himself with intra-party politics.
"Come on, now, Lissa, leave him at it. He knows what he's doing, better than most. 'Snice of you to watch out for him, an' all, but don't stop him at his work."
That's settled.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Kiah
Kiah watches as Tiriel knocks and tries the door. If the door is locked and Tiriel can't break it first try she will hurry down to the group to see if anyone is good with locks.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Trinark
Trinark chose to remain in the background after their meal. He didn't partake of the luxuries, mainly because they were foreign to him.
Instead he remained seated back from the hearth, observing the goings on. He used his keen elven hearing to listen as his companions examined the items liberated from the lair of the hydras. He never learned much about magic beyond the limited divine flows he was able to channel.
He did take note the Tiriel and the older human woman left the room together.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Nyssa
Well, I'm no good at digging, am I? She looked mournfully at the pitiful few dents she'd made in the frozen earth with her shovel.
Lumpy, meanwhile, had made astonishing progress in the time they'd been outside, and was already knee-deep in a substantial hole. He'd carried the body out on his own, sorted through the priest's possessions on his own, and was basically running the entire burial. She had a feeling that's how he preferred things, anyhow, and she went along, helping where she could.
I'm really getting nowhere. Still, Nyssa kept digging. Even if she couldn't contribute much, she could contribute something. She pulled her furs around her tighter and made another clumsy stab at the ground.
"So," Nyssa said, after a while, "where did you get that scar?" She could have pointed at any one of the dozens that marred the half-orc's body, but in the darkness, it was hard to tell.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lumpy
Lumpy was in fact quite good at digging holes. When there had been digging to do back home, his mother's husband had made sure he was the one doing it. The militias usually made him too, come to think of it. He could swear up and down he'd dug every hole in Scardale. As he progressed, he gradually stripped extraneous furs from himself, heating up quickly beneath the bulky garments. Eventually, he's left only with his pair of homespun wool pants as well as boots and heavy gloves to aid his grip. And though the tip of his whole ear reddens and gooseflesh prickles along his leathery skin, he seems comfortable in the cold.
He drives the shovel into the ground with a grunt, the tool's handle creaking and bending under the applied force. Digging in the winter was stupid really, but he didn't need anyone else losing focus on their goal on account of alternative burials. He glances up in surprise as Nyssa speaks up, leaving his shovel stuck in the ground, swaying slightly,
"Huh?" A moment later, his mind catches up, processing the information and supplying an answer. He glances down at himself, then at her, as if trying to further divine her meaning, What's she playing at?Ah, whatever. . .. Regardless, he shrugs, tracing his finger along a number of scars as he rattles off their descriptions and cause. It almost seems he knows every one of them,
"Most'a these ones" He traces orderly marks traveling perpendicularily along both his forearms. Their order and alignment is uncannily good, "come from blocking swords. Beats getting hit in the face. The little round ones are from arrows. I picked up more than a few'a them up north, but a couple're from the Dales too.." His hands slide up to his scalp, where an oddly posistioned scar shimmies it's way along the top of his bony head "This one's actually where a crossbow bolt bounced off. It was a lousy shot. Most'a the other nicks here are from knife-fighting. They're always going fer the face, unless they know what they're doing" He points out cuts along his cheeks and nose, as well as his missing eartip, but then moves along to a nasty set of three jagged slashes curiving down his browline, narrowly missing one eye, " 'Cept this one. Big walking statue near tore my face off in the Underdark.""
He resumes shoveling, though he keeps speaking
"Everything else's just normal wear and tear. Little nicks and scrapes happen when ya fight. Well, the ones on my back are lashings, but it's all basically the same."
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lumpy and Nyssa chip away at the frozen earth. Once they get below the frozen crust, the digging gets a little easier, but not much.
Lumpy had managed to salvage a small ring from the green-haired priest's body, but little else seemed to have survived the hydra's teeth and claws.
By the time they have completed the burial, the moon is high in the clear night sky. The orc sentries had long ago lost interest in watching them, so the two of them sit quietly beside the mound of dirt watching as a pair of falling stars streak across the sky.
Suddenly Lumpy stands up, peering into the darkness. It might have been his imagination, but for a moment he thought he saw a dark shape slinking around in the distance. "Maybe we should head inside?" he suggests.
[hr]
Callos flexes and opens his hand experimentally a few times, dislodging small flakes of rust that catch the firelight as they drift to the ground.
The necromancer randomly points and gestures, but the gauntlet seems to have no obvious effect.
Thokk leans in close, almost smelling the metal, and notes a series of fine complex spirals inscribed in the gauntlet.
Callos reaches for the fireplace poker, but when he grasps the tool with the gauntlet, it immediately oxidizes and crumbles into dust ...
[hr]
Upstairs, Kiah tries the latch, but the door is locked from inside. Kiah is about to head downstairs to see if anyone is good at picking locks, but before she can do so, Tiriel has lifted a heavy booted foot and kicked the door in.
The bedroom is empty. Moonlight spills through and open window onto a bare floor.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Thokk
"In the name of the gods..."
*Thokk jumps back and quickly rambles in high dwarven, before catching himself and speaking in common*
"Ach, that be a powerful weapon there lad! Bane to any fighter in existance! Take it off lad, I wish to try!"
*Thokk quickly stripes all metal objects off himself, except for a chain around his chest. He then politly reaches for the gauntlet, but all can note the eager look in his eyes*
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Nyssa
She listens to Lumpy's business-like listing of his scars, her shovel held still in her hands. "I think my brother and you are very alike, in some ways." She goes back to "shoveling" in silence.
When they've finished, Nyssa kneels down by the grave, touching it, then touching her forehead. She murmurs a quiet prayer to Kelemvor, then stands.
She looks once more at the grave. "May you be in peace. And may your goddess warn her other priests to not be so foolish."
Nyssa looks directly at Lumpy. "Life is far too precious to waste. He was a idiot. And now he's a dead idiot. But still, one trait that makes us who we are is how we treat the dead." She smiles. "Shall we?"
{Once they're back inside, she'll Detect Magic on the ring, and attempt to use Spellcraft (+11) and Knowledge: Arcana (+11) to determine its properties, if it's magical.}
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Tiriel
"Damn that girl. She's gone and done it again. Tiriel sighs and walks out of the room. Kiah looks at her questionaly as Tiriel closes the door behind them.
"Look, all we can do is wait for her to come back. Whatever she's doing, she must have wanted to do it discretely."
Slightly peeved at being left out, Tiriel heads back downstairs to enjoy the food, and festivities.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Yix
When Yix sees the fire poker crumble from a mere touch of the gauntlet he becomes very intrigued. The next moment he is standing up and clapping anxiously calling to Callos "Again! Again!"
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Callos
A delighted smile came to the necromancer's face when the fire poker oxidized and disentergrated into rusty powder. So thats what it did. With the sudden huddling by the pseudodragon and Thokk though a clustered look came to his face. Then annoyance until he stepped back from the two of them as he worked the gauntlet off of his hand.
"Behave yourselves or I'll hide this thing from the both of you! We don't even know if it will work more then once a day so be calm."
Taking a deep breath now that there was breathing room he handed the gauntlet to Thokk though one longing eye was on it. And to make sure Thokk wasn't reaching for any of his metallic items to test it on.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lumpy
Lumpy watches Nyssa's prayer impassively, but shrugs at her commentary,
"People get the treatment they deserve, living or dead. I seen it time and time again. I just do what needs doing and keep moving on."
Turning his eyes, which glint brighter in the darkness than they ever did in light, out towards the countryside, his brow furrow slightly. He drops his jaw as if to voice some concern, but shrugs, burying it under a grunted reply, "Yeah, let's go."
Gathering his things, he leads the way back to the hall, offering the ring over to Nyssa for inspection.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Trinark
Trinark watches as the small group experiments with the magic items. He notes with some interest when the gauntlet causes the fireside poker to crumble to dust. He recalled such creatures in the Underdark whose bodily fluids were so corrosive as to cause even Dwarven forged steel to disolve before your eyes.
After the women had been gone a few minutes, he rose and headed for the staircase. As he reached the bottom he met them coming down.
He looked at Tiriel with a questioning look, "Is everything alright? Do you need help finding Katrin?"
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Kiah
Kiah turns in surprise as Tiriel kick the door in. As a small, frail woman it's not something she ever dreamed of being able to do. She grins at Tiriel and says "Remind me to stay behind you in a fight."
Peering into the empty room it's clear that Katrin has left through the window. As Tiriel expresses her frustration Kiah can only look on with some sympathy. Sometimes there's jus' nothing to say.
---
Back in the common room she leaves Tiriel to explain Katrin's disappearance. I wonder what happened to the half-orc - what was his name? And the friendly one - Nyssa. Looks like they're happy with the haul anyway. Wait! Is the tall guy giving the gauntlet to the dwarf?? They haven't identified them things yet have they? I hope someone around here can remove curses 'cause I'm fresh out.
The tall male half-elf catches her eye. He don't look right. I've seen it before. Does look too long ago nether.
Kiah sits down and considers the scroll of restoration in her scroll case. It was an expensive scroll. Higher that she could do. She had to pay 800gp for it and was saving it for an emergency. Different voices in her mind argued over what to do. The half-elf wasn't at the fight with the hydra but he definitely seems part of the group. On one hand she was always tight with her money running the Inn - had to be. So the older part of her mind wanted to sell it to him. But on the other hand the nature priestess - the newer part of her mind - was not like that. There are things beyond buying and selling. They could do something about the hydra and did it - so here she was alive and well. She could do something about this. It would all balance out just like Ehlonna said it would.
Her decision made she makes her way over to the male half-elf (Ethan) and sticks her hand out. "Kiah! Pleased to met 'ya. Looks like you had a run-in with some undead. Would you mind telling me about it? I might be able to help. The most important thing is when. How many days ago did this happen?"
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Thokk
"Ach, this be very interesting indeed..."
*Thokk smiles as he looks over the gauntlet, and tries to read the tiny runes inscribed on the side*
"Callos, I needs help with three things. First, can ye hand me a small steel object? Second, can yer make any sense from these runes? Finally, do yer know any spells or magics that can rust metal items? As in, can ye cast any right now lad? O, and the rest of ye, I suggest all metal be stripped off and put over yonder on the side"
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Tiriel
Tiriel is about to answer Trinark when she overhears Thokk's annocement. She turns back to Trinark, "Everything's all right I guess," she looks back at the group noticing that the dwarf has a strange half-manical, half-gleeful grin and that Yix is jumping up and down. "Whatever's going on here, I think I'd rather hear about it afterwards. I'll be outside."
She grabs some food on her way out before heading to the stables.
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The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Callos
The older human nodded and looked around the room for a suitablly sized metal object, a spoon or other utensil if he can. Once such an object is found he returns to the dwarf and holds it out. Once Thokk takes it he leans over and peer s curiously at the gauntlet, trying to see if anything happens when it rusts something as well as attempting to see the runes Thokk was talking about.
"Huh, I don't know of any spells that do that myself. Perhaps you can ask Elthan or Ackby about it..."
((Actually rolled my Spellcraft check to see if Callos would know about the Rusting Grasp spell and failed it.))
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Tiriel thanks Trinark for offering to help, but she feels that it's best to leave Katrin alone for now. If she felt she had to sneak out, there must certainly be a good reason.
Si'rene joins Tiriel outside to get some fresh air. As they walk outside, they pass Lumpy and Nyssa, who are returning from burying Silithos.
Once alone, Si'rene and Tiriel spend some time in quiet conversation. Neither of them are sure what Katrin is up to. "Well, I guess we all have our secrets, don't we?" Si'rene says as she looks up at the moon.
[hr]
Elthan counts backwards. It's been at least three or four days since the battle with the spectres. Kiah isn't sure whether the spell will restore Elthan's weakened spirit this far out from the initial drain.
Together they look at the crystal prism and the silver ring inset with the single ruby. Everyone else seems focused on the gauntlet.
[hr]
Yix, Thokk and Callos gleefully attempt to disintegrate any steel or iron items that are offered up, including some flatware and a chamberpot. Unfortunately, the effect on the poker can't be replicated. Callos concludes that the gauntlet may only work a limited number of times a day.
[hr]
Nyssa looks over the ring recovered from Silithos' body. It is a simple gold band with a single groove that spirals around the band seven times before meeting itself again.
OOC: So can we wrap up the gold distribution soon?
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Kiah
Kiah listens to Ethan while he recounts the battle and the number of days it has been. Then she checks the whites of his eyes and the skin between his fingers. Finally, she pronounces "Well, you're lucky. Looks like I can still do something about this. But next time you get yourself looked at right away y'hear! Undead ain't healthy! It's a lot easier to do something in the first 24 hours then to wait. In a few more days it would have been beyond me."
She grumbles a bit, digging through her bag for a scroll case. Taking it out, she selects a scroll and spreads it in front of her. Then she snorts, "Actually, it's beyond me now. I suggest that if you don't want to spend all that gold (points at the table) and more on scrolls than you best be more careful. Now, hold still."
As she reads the scroll twists of glowing green vapor rise from the disappearing script and coalesce around her hands. The words are soft and light and strangely musical - like a butterfly on a spring day. When she finishes she reaches over to grasp both of Ethan's hands. The glow passes over to him and sinks in. Anyone can see the change. His skin is instantly less pale and his eyes are brighter.
"There," she says "that does most of it. Can't do more after this long I'm afraid. You need to get out and do something."
She will refuse any payment. As she packs up her things she says "You can thank me but that's about it. What goes around comes around as they say."
Afterward she will walk to somewhere in the room where she can see everyone. "Hey all!!" She projects her voice quite well, and obviously is comfortable speaking in front of a group. "I know everyone wants wants to divide gold and such but give me a moment. I need to say my piece and they you can get back to it. I want to join your group for a bit. You've removed the hydras and left me with some free time, and there seems to be something about undead in whatever you're messed up in. Now I know that some of you don't trust me..." she looks at Achkby pointedly "... enough to tell me what *is* going on but that's OK. I'll tag along, and either that will change or I'll pick up enough to decide on my own. Until then I'll help out, and if I leave I'll let you know."
"Now I'll hang around for a bit if you want to ask me some questions, but then I'm head'n up to bed and you can let me know in the morning. I rise at dawn. If you want me earlier jus' knock."
(OOC: Whew! that was way too long)
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Elthan
Elthan tries to reply to some of Kiahs statements without feeling like a guilty child. "I wanted to do something about it when it happened, but we where rushing and I thought it might just fade away like anything else."
He can feel the energy return to him as the spell is completed, the positive energy lighting him up agian. "If all I can do is thank you, then thats all I can say. Thank you."
Kiah gives her short speech and leaves. Of all the people we could have picked up, at least we found an interesting one.
Elthan begins to lose interest in the trinkets found, and his mind wanders to other areas. He gets up and heads out for a walk, and spying the lizardkin outside, heads to him. Not wanting to disturb the Lizarkins meditation, Elthan sits down on a nearby object and waits to see if he stops.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Aeroz
"Way to enunciate..." Aeroz mutters to Kiah's speech. "As for the gold, I believe I still owe some to Achby, so he can take what he needed to cover the Stone to flesh."
He then takes a seat and waits for Thokk, Callos and Yix stop gawking at the gauntlet.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Fizahn:
Fizahn basically ignores everyone else as he does calculations in his head. Every few minutes, he will offer an outrageous proposal that is shot down by the group. "Aeroz. I have just lost a great deal of respect for you. You should never admit to having a debt and only repay them if they press you too hard, or you need to borrow a greater amount of money from them. Let them bring it up and then say, 'I don't recall that.'"
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Nolan
It was very warm and very comfortable where he was sitting. The sound of friendly banter in the background only added to the cheerful atmosphere. Everything was pleasant and cozy.
It was too cozy for Nolan. I wonder if they have a spiked bed to sleep on...
Nolan looks up at his sister's return. With a stretch he stands and makes his way over to see how things went, giving wide berth to the enchanted gauntlet waving dwarf.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Aeroz
"Fizhan, I'm no theif. And besides, its the least I can do after about those half dozen times when I thought he looked like a roasted pheasant in the underdark. And besides, its better to get it paid for now, just in case we find a nice big stash of gold. The halflings I've dealt with in the past were notorious interest keepers."
Aeroz walks crouches beside Fizhan and whispers "And as a fringe benefit, now I can start bugging him about what he owes me."
He then gets up and moves to the other side of the room.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
I still wanna know if anything's happened with this crystal thingamabob...
Achkby, Halfling Sorcerer
Achkby perks up a bit at Aeroz's announcement, but tries his best to hide it. He manages well enough for only a couple to notice his enthusiasm for the idea.
But then Fizahn speaks and the thought of gratitude is expelled from the halfling's mind as he glares at the gnome. Scrambling for a sharp retort, he decides, instead, to muster up what grace he has.
"I certainly wasn't going to charge interest; the thought hadn't even considered speculating about crossing my mind," he says, trying his best to sound as little like Fizahn's cruel characterization of himself as possible.
"But thank you much. It'll be nice to have some spare gold on me again."
Achkby'll sit and wait until someone figures out how they're splitting the gold (Why is this a problem? Just split it thirteen ways... or make it easier, cut out Fizahn, 'cause he's a greedy bastard, and split it twelve ways.), and then collect the 300 gold from Aeroz, Brandobaris willing.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lizardman Druid
Meanwhile near the stables..
The reptilian jerks awake. He blinks in surprise. Nothing had happened.
Why did I not see anything
He knew he had connected but no visions had presented before him. He looks up to see the wizard from his old roup sitting a distance away.
For a moment he grew suspicious of the magic user, considering whether he had something to do with the lack of visions.
However he dismissed the thought immediately.
This one has done nothing but aid me
Elthan's eyes had been gazing one something to the side but sensing a shift in the lizardman's body, they turn back to lock onto him. He smiles at the lizrdman.
Perhaps the place then..
He frowns at the surroundings around him and motions the wizard forward. He pulls a package of steaks from the side.
He looks around and sees no one else besides the two of them.
Cloudhair must still be eating
His thoughts drift back to the drow and then to the dwarf and gnomes he had been re-united with. He would have to leave them tomorrow.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Fizahn:
Fizahn smiles as Achkby talks. "Oh, absolutely Achkby. I completely understand that you would never charge interest." Fizahn says in a tone of mock cheerfulness that is absolutely mocking the halfling. He turns back to Aeroz and whispers in a voice barly audible to Achkby, "Which is what makes him such a sap, because the amount owed to him will never go up." He then directs another cheerful grin towards Achkby. "I suppose you all want me to come up with an idea of splitting the wealth. I'm obviously the smart one and most decisive of the group. I propose we keep the ring as a little 'backup' tool. Nolan should keep it. I feel there are twelve of us who deserve a share of the treasure, as I feel Hajih and Delphinia aren't coming back. The gauntlet should go to Thokk. The prism isn't very important; we should sell it first oppurtunity and split the proceeds amongst those who didn't fight the hydra, Achkby, Elthan, Callos, and Kiah. The rest of us will take 181 Gold each with the missing rangers getting the remaining 9 gold if they return." Fizahn shrugs as he finishes speaking and looks at the group. Let's make a decision please.
OOC: When Nyssa and Lumpy return and explain about the ring, Fizahn will propose that Nyssa keeps the ring and the other members' pots go up to 200 GP with no gold left for the rangers.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lumpy
Lumpy grunts an incoherant greeting as he passes Tiriel and Si'rene, but leaves it at that.
When he enters the hall again, he speaks almost immediately, his tone flat but strong enough to carry,
"Priest's buried. Anyone what wants ta say their peice over his grave best do so tonight, we'll be riding out tomorrow by the time the sun's up. I wouldn't, though, there's something skulking around out there."
Shouldering his bundled furs, Lumpy moves over to the table, pouring and draining a goblet of wine before reinserting himself into the conversation,
"A share'a gold's fine fer me, I ain't much interested in any'a the rest'a the lot. Just don't stay up all night arguing. Details can always be sorted out on the road."
With that, the taciturn orc moves past the rest of his companions, heading up to his room wordlessly, leaving Nyssa behind to sort out matters on the priest's ring.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Nyssa
Nyssa follows the half-orc in, and stops by her brother's side. "Beware, Nolan, you appear far too relaxed. Before you realize it, you'll be speaking complete sentences, letting your hair grow out, and possibly even smiling." She then takes her freezing cold hands and cups his ears, grinning.
She then heads to the table and drops a golden ring on it. "This was on the priest, the only salvagable item Lumpy found. It radiates a pretty fair amount of transmutative magic. I'm not sure of its function, aside from prolonging this discussion. Are you really still talking about money?"
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Tiriel
"Yeah, I guess we do."
"I'm going to take a walk and then turn in. Let me know what that group sorts out in the morning - all I care about is that everyone is treated fairly."
Tiriel streches a bit before puting action to her words. If it's not too late, she'll try to find someone who's willing to sell her some flasks of oil. Maybe I should start with the kitchen? she thinks.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
As the night drags on, one by one each of you retires to your rooms to rest. In the end, the group agrees to try to divide up the treasure into roughly equal portions ...
Aeroz, Achkby, Lissa, Lumpy, Fizahn, Tiriel, Si'rene, Trinark and Yix each claim 150 gp. Si'rene and Trinark also hold 150 gp for Katrin and the lizardman respectively.
Two more 150 gp shares are held for Hajih and Delphinia in case the rangers return.
This leaves 50 gp to be shared communally for lodging, rations and feed.
Nyssa is allowed to keep Silithos' ring, and the silver ring with the single remaining ruby is entrusted to Nolan. Although everyone has the same suspicions, no one is willing to waste a possible wish by "testing" the ring.
The gauntlet is given to Thokk, who would be the most likely to benefit from its powers.
Which leaves only the crystal prism. Callos peers at the prisms and notes some draconic lettering somehow etched into the center of the long crystal. The letters appear different depending on which of the three faces of the prism he is looking through.
OOC: Flasks of oil bought by Tiriel. Level restored to Elthan by Kiah.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Callos
Once again an expression of curiousty came to his face as he looked at one of these magical items. Going into his pack and retrieving his newly bought pen, a vial of ink, and a sheet of parchment the necromancer laid the sheet down and looked at the letters through each facet. Chewing on his lower lip some he wrote down what he read.
((Callos can in fact read draconic.))
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Nolan
Nolan had been wincing everytime his name had been mentioned when it came to the ring. I swear... Give it to me and I will toss it at that gauntlet.
And then the ring was placed in his hand.
He lets out a sigh. They just met me... "If it means going to bed at some point tonight then fine, I'll take responsibility for it." His hand closes around the ring. "I'll need a chain of some sort to place it around my neck. You wouldn't want me to be wearing the blasted thing on my finger next time Nyssa speaks to me."
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Thokk
"Ach, so be it. Now Im tired, and if im tired all of yer should be tired. I am going to bed lads, till the morning"
*Thokk picks up the gauntlet and gathers up his belongins. He bids everyone a good night, and wanders out to the main stable area to see if he can find the lizardman and talk for a while before he retires for the evening*
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Yix
Yix carefully counts his gold coins before adding them to his growing stash. After finding himself a drink, he scampers off to sleep.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Lumpy
In his unlit room, Lumpy goes through his nightly ritual methodically, servicing his weapons and armor briefly and easily, eyes glittering in the dark.
Lifting his pillow, he slips his sheathed dagger and moneypouch beneath. His armor and pack are stacked neatly at the bed's foot in a military bundle, with the newly added guisarme propped alongside them. He folds his winter overclothing passingly, stacking it within easy reach on the bedside table.
Finally, he stalks around the room one last time, ensuring that everything is in good order, before settling onto his bed, tucking his flail against his chest as he drifts easily to sleep.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Kiah
Kiah beds down for the night, keeping her bag in bed with her and her door and window locked. Not that it helps much, but it does make me feel safer.
One thing is for sure anyway. This lot ain't no military. I've never seen such a lack of leadership. Kind of an organic hodge-podge She smiles to herself. The idea does have an attraction to a nature priest.
Still, it will be interesting to see who actually says something to me tomorrow, one way or the other.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Nyssa
Nyssa stays up late, enjoying the company, the fire, and the drinks. She actually speaks little, and spends her time watching the rest of the group and listening in on their discussions. They're all so very interesting.
Other than that, she plays with the ring in her hand, but doesn't put it on. She was happy to take the ring in lieu of money, she finally decided -- she had enough money for now, and this way she could be sure the ring would be given to the right person once she knew what it did. She just hoped Lumpy wasn't upset, because she could see how it looked for her to end up with it. I'd talk to him, but I think that might annoy him even more.
She's one of the last to go to bed. When Nyssa does, she takes the precautions of securing her door and window, but beyond that she acts as if she is completely at home. Her pack is on a chair, her cloak and robes thrown over it, and within a minute she's sound asleep in the bed.
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Re: The Necromancer's Pact VII: Lake of Tears II
Aeroz
About an hour and a half after the treasure has been distributed, Aeroz goes to his room. He takes off his chain shirt and unbuckles all his weapons but a dagger strapped to his ankle, throwing them to the ground in an unorganized heap. Lying down on the bed, his thoughts begin to wander.
Something just occured to me, I only get about four hours of rest a night, while everyone else gets around eight. Seems kind of odd...my race is of the longest lived, you would think we would be able to devote more time to sleep. I guess life is strange that way...why is common so confusing in it's spelling anyways? There are a lot of words that are spelled the same, yet are spoken differently...